Blackstone’s SeaWorld Announces Opening of Aquatica San Antonio

05/18/2012

SeaWorld, a Blackstone portfolio company, today announced the opening of its newest waterpark, Aquatica San Antonio, in Texas. Construction of Aquatica San Antonio began in May 2011 and it is the single largest investment the company has made since 1988.

Under Blackstone’s ownership, SeaWorld expanded its franchise to build Aquatica San Antonio alongside SeaWorld San Antonio. Aquatica will house over 42,000 Square feet of sand beaches, waterpark rides, various animal exhibits and a unique Sting Ray interaction and feeding exhibit. The new waterpark will employ between 400 to 500 workers.

The opening of Aquatica San Antonio exemplifies the kind of positive impact private capital can and should have in building American businesses and creating new jobs. Access to private capital has helped drive growth for the company, which recently announced the biggest expansion in its 48-year history, committing to invest $125 million to open multiple new attractions at its Orlando Park. SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment operates 10 parks in the United States and currently employs 20,000 people nationwide.